On the same day that we visited Lullingstone Roman Villa, Sue and I also visited the nearby Eynsford Castle.
The castle was built in period 1085 to 1088 from local squared flint, and was occupied until the fourteenth century, when is was ransacked and subsequently left to decay. It does not appear to have undergone any major re-building during its occupation, and its layout remained unchanged.
The walls are near four feet thick when built were approximately forty feet in height. The walls follow a rather irregular plan (almost the shape of squashed Norman kite-shaped shield) ...
The entrance to Eynsford Castle
The walls of the Castle
The three large holes in the wall were the location of the garderobes (i.e. the latrines).
The remains of the Castle's Hall
The Eynsford Castle site is currently maintained by English Heritage.
The castle was built in period 1085 to 1088 from local squared flint, and was occupied until the fourteenth century, when is was ransacked and subsequently left to decay. It does not appear to have undergone any major re-building during its occupation, and its layout remained unchanged.
The walls are near four feet thick when built were approximately forty feet in height. The walls follow a rather irregular plan (almost the shape of squashed Norman kite-shaped shield) ...
... and the area within is approximately three quarters of an acre. In the centre of the castle is the remains of a hall. The castle was originally surrounded by a wet moat, which was probably filled from the nearby River Darent.Please click on the image to enlarge it.
The three large holes in the wall were the location of the garderobes (i.e. the latrines).
The Eynsford Castle site is currently maintained by English Heritage.
Fascinating ruin. It looks so crude compared to later fortresses with their towers and crenalations. A stone version of a palisaded motte and bailey I suppose.
ReplyDeletePresumably there would have been wooden walkways and hordings for defenders?
Thanks for sharing this.
Ross Mac,
ReplyDeleteIt is a very early design, and although it was remodelled during its active life, it was never enlarged.
I think that you are right about the walkways. There is evidence of holes in the walls for support beams.
All the best,
Bob